Gyptian

But where every other song in Gyptian's set was abruptly clipped, "Hold Yuh" warranted and received an extension.

Gyptian at the Crossroads: Coming up short until 'Hold Yuh' Chris Richards 2010

It even soured the sweet intro of "Nah Let Go," one of the most effective Valentines in Gyptian's collection.

Gyptian at the Crossroads: Coming up short until 'Hold Yuh' Chris Richards 2010

But where every other song in Gyptian’s set was abruptly clipped, “Hold Yuh” warranted and received an extension.

In concert: Gyptian at Crossroads Chris Richards 2010

It even soured the sweet intro of “Nah Let Go,” one of the most effective Valentines in Gyptian’s collection.

In concert: Gyptian at Crossroads Chris Richards 2010

My favorite moment in the new film "The Golden Compass" comes as a quiet instance, one where the heroine, Lyra reveals to the band of 'Gyptian' rebels, who have just rescued her, the fact that she has come into possession of this magical instrument.

A question, lightly held 2008

While his brand of lovers 'rock is comparable in style to that of the socially conscious Sizzla, Gyptian seems poised to follow the path to stardom blazed by international star Sean Paul.

Going Out Guide: Nightlife agenda Going Out Guide 2010

Just a few months ago, it seemed to stream out of every open car window in the city -- a pliant reggae tune that ripens into something anthemic using just a few spare ingredients: that twinkling piano line, those sputtering bass notes, an erratic snare drum and the pining patois of Gyptian, a 26-year-old native of St. Andrew, Jamaica, now riding a white-hot summer into the soggy chills of fall.

Gyptian at the Crossroads: Coming up short until 'Hold Yuh' Chris Richards 2010

But hundreds of umbrella-hoisting fans braved the bluster outside the Crossroads in Bladensburg on Wednesday night, lining up to revisit the sweltering glories of July via the biggest reggae hit of the summer: "Hold Yuh" by Gyptian.

Gyptian at the Crossroads: Coming up short until 'Hold Yuh' Chris Richards 2010

Gyptian followed that smash with "Nah Let Go," which is being just as warmly received.

Going Out Guide: Nightlife agenda Going Out Guide 2010

In addition to most of the fans lined up outside the Crossroads, the crossover success of "Hold Yuh" has also earned Gyptian an opening slot on Mary J. Blige's upcoming European tour.

Gyptian at the Crossroads: Coming up short until 'Hold Yuh' Chris Richards 2010